Have you ever been caught with a mile-long to-do list, but feel unable to get to them until you have a clean, organised environment around you?
We've all felt the panic that ensues when we can't find our car keys, or the frustration that mounts when we can't locate that ingredient in our pantry.
It's an unnecessary stress that we all could do without, particularly when juggling our fast-paced lives. What you may not realise is how a well-organised home can play a pivotal role in your lifestyle, not just as a matter of aesthetics but as a tool to nurture a more relaxed, productive mindset.
In this article, we’re exploring a bit of the science behind this concept, and share some fantastic ideas to help you experience the transformative joy of an organised home.
The Science Behind Clutter and Stress
Every aspect of our surroundings, no matter how seemingly trivial, can profoundly influence our mental and emotional well-being.
Consider, for a moment, your living space – is it cluttered with miscellaneous items with no particular place to call home? The resulting chaos can subtly send signals of disarray to your brain, causing an uneasy anxiety you may not even consciously acknowledge.
In simple terms – mess causes stress.
The science backs this up, too. Recent studies have shown that general disorganisation and clutter hold an ongoing impact on our cognitive ability, overloading our senses and draining our ability to focus on new problems. Moreover, further research has found that the surroundings of our home will directly impact our moods and cortisol levels (the hormone linked to stress). As such, an organised home can offer a restorative effect for you and your family, but letting it descend into messy chaos can actually compound your stress levels.
How Better Organisation Can Increase Productivity
The interplay between organisation and productivity isn’t just about making your home look perfectly pretty (although that certainly is a perk). It's also about creating a supportive environment where you can focus on tasks without the distracting spectre of clutter, thanks to a well-thought-out system that has everything where you need it, when you need it.
Through the power of organisation, you can reduce any wasted time, missed deadlines, and potentially even lost opportunities. A well-organised home streamlines your tasks, allowing for increased efficiency and focus.
It's like setting the stage for your true abilities to shine.
Some of Our Favourite Home and Kitchen Organisation Supplies
At Pretty Little Designs, we've curated a selection of premium products designed to make home organisation a pleasure, not a chore!
To help increase productivity within some of your favourite spaces, here are some top picks:
- Bamboo & Glass Spice Jars: These clear, stylish jars add an elegant touch to any kitchen. They not only enhance the aesthetics of your space but also offer a practical solution to keeping your spices organised and easily accessible. The aspiring chefs will certainly appreciate this one!
- Pantry Labels: Our chic pantry labels can turn a cluttered, chaotic pantry into a well-organised, easy-to-navigate treasure trove of ingredients. This is a real gift that will save time and reduce stress each time dinner needs to be prepared. Designed with both form and function in mind, these labels can elevate the look of any pantry, turning mundane storage spaces into a feast for the eyes.
- Bamboo Drawer Dividers: Sustainability is a value that resonates with many Australians, making our bamboo drawer dividers a thoughtful and eco-friendly choice. These dividers can transform any drawer into a neatly segmented space, where every item has its own designated spot. This eliminates the all-too-common 'drawer chaos', making finding items a breeze.
- Large Storage Baskets: Our large storage baskets are a versatile solution for decluttering any room. They can stylishly house toys, throws, magazines, and anything that needs a designated place. It's a practical tool that's especially appreciated by busy families who need help with maintaining an orderly living space.
- Fridge Organisers: If you value an orderly kitchen, our fridge organisers include clear, sturdy, stackable drawers, milk bottle cartons, wine holders, storage racks, and more, allowing for easy categorisation and access to fridge items. No longer will anyone need to spend time rummaging through the fridge, looking for a particular ingredient or snack. Instead, everything will have its own space, making meal prep and snack time simpler and more enjoyable.
- Desk Organisers: The need for a neat, conducive workspace cannot be overstated, especially now more people are working from home. Our office organisers involve draw organisers, suspension file boxes, storage boxes, pull-out organisers and more, proven to dramatically transform a chaotic desk into a haven of productivity. They ensure that every necessary item is within easy reach, eliminating distractions, and fostering focus and productivity.
Learn More on How to Increase Productivity & Stay Organised in Your Home with Pretty Little Designs
Understanding the profound impact of an organised home allows us to see it as more than just an attractive living space. It's a means of enhancing daily productivity, significantly reducing stress levels, and fostering a more tranquil, enjoyable home life.
Explore our catalogue at Pretty Little Designs today and learn how to increase productivity one organised space at a time. For more information, visit us in-store or contact us today.
References:
McMains S, Kastner S. Interactions of top-down and bottom-up mechanisms in human visual cortex. J Neurosci. 2011 Jan 12;31(2):587-97. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.3766-10.2011. PMID: 21228167; PMCID: PMC3072218.
Saxbe DE, Repetti R. No place like home: home tours correlate with daily mood patterns and cortisol. Pers Soc Psychol Bull. 2010 Jan;36(1):71-81. doi: 10.1177/0146167209352864. Epub 2009 Nov 23. PMID: 19934011.